Those who hold their
friends in good esteem and treat them with respect gain many
defenders and supporters against their enemies.
Having faithful friends is just as important as satisfying
the vital necessities of life. Being among a secure and peaceful
circle of friends means finding safety against many hazards
and dangers.
Wise people, upon seeing that a friendship has become damaged,
immediately remove the cause of discontent and restore good
relations. Even wiser are those who strive to avoid or prevent
disagreement with their friends in the first place.
Love and good relations between friends continue as long as
they understand each other, practice self-denial, and make
sacrifices within permissible limits. Friendship between those
who cannot renounce their interests and preferences for the
sake of their friends cannot endure.
We are loyal and faithful to our friends to the extent we
share their troubles as well as their joys. If we cannot weep
when our friends weep and rejoice when they rejoice, we cannot
be regarded as faithful friends.
Those who maintain a friendship with one who has fallen on
hard times are true, loyal friends. Those who do not support
their friends during their misfortune have nothing to do with
friendship.
Those who tend to disagree and struggle with their friends
have few friends. One who desires to have faithful and numerous
friends should not disagree with them on trivial matters.
Friendship pertains to one’s heart and its sincerity. Those
who think they can gain another’s friendship through deception
and hypocrisy only deceive themselves. Even if some simple-minded
people are taken in by their hypocrisy and flattery, they
will not be able to sustain a long-lasting friendship.
